When everybody has almost forgotten the controversial issue of adulteration of ghee used for Tirumala laddu prasadam, the special investigation team monitored by the Central Bureau of Investigation director has quietly begun the investigation, as directed by the Supreme Court on October 3. The SIT comprises CBI joint director in Hyderabad S V Veeresh Prabhu, CBI superintendent of police (Visakhapatnam) Murali Rambha, Guntur range inspector general of police Sarvashreshtha Tripathi and Visakhapatnam range DIG Gopinath Jetti. Another member from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is yet to join the committee. "CBI director will periodically monitor the progress of investigation," sources said.

The SIT is reportedly examining the laboratory reports of the ghee samples which were found to be adulterated. The reports were obtained from FSSAI and Centre of Analysis and Learning in Livestock and Food (CALF) of the National Dairy Development Board which conducted the tests in July. The SIT members will soon come to Tirumala and make a thorough inspection of the facilities for Laddu preparation and also cross-examine the officials concerned with the same, sources said.

Ironically, the political controversy that raged over the adulteration of ghee used in Tirumala laddu preparation died down as fast as it surfaced. Neither the ruling TDP and its allies nor the YSRCP is speaking about the issue now. The investigation by CBI and the SIT brings this issue back into the spotlight and aims to uncover the truth behind the adulteration of ghee in the Tirumala laddu prasadam. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.